Beverly Hills Cop
Director: Eddie Murphy, Martin Brest Run Time: 105 min. Format: DCP Rating: R Release Year: 1984
Starring: Bronson Pinchot, Jonathan Banks, Lisa Eilbacher, Paul Reiser, Ronny Cox, Steven Berkoff, John Ashton, Judge Reinhold
New York cop Axel Foley heads to Los Angeles to solve his friend’s murder in BEVERLY HILLS COP.
I started out as a stand-up comedian. And that’s what I’m most comfortable doing. – Eddie Murphy
When two California toughs kill his childhood friend, Detroit detective Axel Foley ducks out of town on “vacation” to Beverly Hills to sniff out the conspiracy behind his buddy’s death. His unauthorized investigation leaves local PD heated, and puts him on the radar of a shady art dealer who doesn’t appreciate Foley snooping around. Originally intended for Sylvester Stallone of all people – producers gave Murphy the roll after Stallone’s blood-guts-and-explosions spin on the material racked up too large a bill. Good thing beacuse Beverly Hills Cop made Murphy a crossover sensation, and is the perfect vehicle for the comic’s quick wit, fast delivery and cocksure swagger.
Part of Nitehawk’s summer program COMEDIANS IN FILM (Stand Up/Stand Up Companion).